Shaving our hair can help?

“Bald is Brave.” This is the theme of the 2^nd annual #NoHairSelfie.

Have you heard? If you’ve seen this hashtag on your newsfeed, you’ve definitely got the buzz. The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation is rallying everyone to shave their hair on February 4, World Cancer Day.

So what is #NoHairSelfie?

The ambassador of this worldwide campaign who was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma in 2015, explains what this global movement means to her.

“The #NoHairSelfie is an amazing way to show solidarity to those who’s hair will be gone without choice,” says 23 year old Ally Glenn.

So tell me again. How will this help people living with cancer?

Many of us may have family members or know of someone touched by cancer. Just in Canada alone, about 40% of Canadians will be touched by cancer in their lifetime. This is a sad reality, which is often difficult to talk about in the community. And often times, we want to do something, but we don’t know what can be done to make a difference.

 Hear from Cabbie, Jay “Mad Dog” Michaels and others why they are participating in this campaign.

“…give people an outlet to show that solidarity.”

“Instead of watching them go through this…TAKE ACTION. The best way is to fundraise to help support the research that is being done.”

Ok….So do we really have to shave our hair?

There are so many ways we can show our support. You can do it actually or virtually! 

For those who feel compelled to do an actual shave, you can invite your family and friends to sponsor you by making a donation to The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.

Or, you can do a virtual shave by downloading the #NoHairSelfie app!

Who is participating this year? 

Due to the success of the 2015 initiative, this year #NoHairSelfie has partnered with the Union for International Cancer Control to go global! Along with Canada, South Africa, Switzerland, and Israel will be participating on World Cancer Day  on February 4!

• Check out the media coverage in Israel!
• It was featured on OMNI Cantonese news. Click here to watch. Friends in Hong Kong can download the app as well!

Who else caught the buzz?

• Toronto Professional FireFighters’ Association 
• University student groups 
• Kids! There is no age limit to become a Hair-ticipant
• The magician, David Ben
• The Town of Richmond Hill Councillors

Check out the latest conversation and visit their global gallery. Follow @NoHairSelfie on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to see who else are shaving their heads! 

Why do we need to raise awareness about cancer?

Some cancers are now manageable, and patient cancer survival rates have increased due to breakthrough research.  Check out this interactive timeline to see the history of innovation! For this momentum to continue, we need to come together and support this worthy cause.

What is the role of Princess Margaret Cancer Centre?

Hear from the CEO of The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation why #NoHairSelfie can help.

• The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation is one of the top 5 cancer research centres in the world.
• It is the only facility in Canada that is 100% dedicated to cancer research, treatment and care.
• The Princess Margaret is also leading the way in Personalized Cancer Medicine.

 So are you in?

Visit www.NoHairSelfie.com or the Chinese page www.NoHairSelfie.com/Chinese

JUP’S REFLECTION

The last few interviews with #JupYouUP have been about individuals following their passion, and as a result, they have created a new product or service in the marketplace. This passion and entrepreneurial spirit can often be found in social enterprises as well! These are organizations that are driven to improve a social cause. The #NoHairSelfie campaign is a very creative and entrepreneurial approach to engage with the community and fundraise for cancer research. Cancer is an ugly disease. The Princess Margaret is following their passion to conquer cancer in our lifetime. Let’s come together on February 4 World Cancer Day, so that together we can make an impact and change the reality.